PlateScore

Lucky Lou's American Grill

A

1850 S Val Vista Dr, Mesa 85204

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-88890

Score based on 8 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works

County record last checked Sep 21, 2026.

89
Good

Mesa restaurant avg: 93

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Score over time

1000602023202420252026Oct 5, 2023 — Routine — score 85 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Feb 28, 2024 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jul 2, 2024 — Routine — score 80 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 0 core)Oct 30, 2024 — Routine — score 65 (1 priority, 4 foundation, 0 core)Mar 11, 2025 — Routine — score 82 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Jul 24, 2025 — Routine — score 78 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 2 core)Nov 10, 2025 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Apr 28, 2026 — Routine — score 98 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 2 core)98
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history8 on record

2026

Apr 28, 2026Routine2 coreA

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Copy of inspection provided to PIc via email.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.

#43 — In-Use Utensils; Properly StoredCore3-304.12

Inspector's notes

Observed at the back area of the establishment a metal ice scoop being stored directly on top of the ice machine. PIC re-washed the metal scoop and placed it inside a clean dry container at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-304.12 - Core: In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage Predefined Comment: In-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection.

2025

Nov 10, 2025RoutinecleanA

report emailed.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

Jul 24, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundation2 coreB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

operator was asked about food manager certification. unable to provide. please obtain one certified food manager. available course resources on esd.maricopa.gov reviewed with manager on duty Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

observed at the cookline, some cut deli meat, ham, turkey, sausage links at 50-51 deg f. All placed in double pans in the front grill reach-in cooler top panel. informed manager. all removed by manager. please ensure rte/tcs food is kept at 41 deg f. suggested to place food in one smaller metal pans to ensure 41 deg f maintained /established. use of ice bath for the some of the temporary pans/breakfast menu reviewed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you.https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority foundation7-102.11

Inspector's notes

observed some spray bottles filled in the food prep. area without an identification label. showed manager. all labeled by manager during the inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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7-102.11 - Priority Foundation: Common Name-Working Containers

#41 — Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and StoredCore3-304.14

Inspector's notes

checked the towel buckets sanitizer in the kitchen and the bar . all reading 0ppm for sanitizer. frequency of changing the sanitizer solution reviewed with manager. manager drained and refilled all wiping cloth sanitizer solutions. multi quat at 200 ppm established. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation

Mar 11, 2025Routine1 priority3 coreall corrected on siteB°

report emailed to facility designated email in Tyler PC.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedCore4-602.11

Inspector's notes

at the facility bar, soda guns and soda holsters had excessive organic debris. discussed the frequency of cleaning. bar manager disassemble all, cleaned and sanitized soda guns. corrected. per manager, they will start to removed and clean nightly. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-602.11 (E) - Core: Equipment Food - Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency; Non-TCS. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

observed pans of diced and cut tomatoes at 50-52 deg f .(in the reach-in coolers across from the grill station) Also at the kitchen west reach-in cooler, pan of cooked boiled eggs at 56-58 deg f . informed kitchen manager. all removed. please ensure rte/tcs food is kept at 41 deg f , see embargo. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. kitchen manager provided on site training for proper cold holding guidelines. using a smaller metal containers and not overfilling the pans also reviewed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you.https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

#41 — Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and StoredCore3-304.14

Inspector's notes

checked sanitizer buckets at the bar. noted at 0 ppm. discussed with bar staff the frequency of sanitizer solution being changed. manager drained and refilled all sanitizer towel buckets. quat ammonia at 200 ppm established. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Predefined Comment: All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping cloths were placed in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations at time of inspection. 3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation

#45 — Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, UsedCore4-903.11

Inspector's notes

observed in the kitchen, take out single service containers left open and faced up. discussed with kitchen manager the proper storage. suggested to keep take out plastic containers facing down. manager corrected Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-903.11 (A) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles - Storing; Single-Use/Single-Service Items

2024

Oct 30, 2024Routine1 priority4 foundationC°

report emailed to PIC. sanitarian 764 present.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Inspector's notes

observed at the bar hand washing basin, no papaer towel. informed manager. papaer towel refilled at the time of inspection.

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Predefined Comment: Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. 6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#15 — Food Separated and ProtectedPriority3-302.11

Inspector's notes

observed raw turkey ground on the same pan as raw hamburger meats. proepr food storage reviewed with PIC. manager relocated raw turkey to a designated shelf. corrected.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.

#25 — Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw or Undercooked FoodPriority foundation3-603.11

Inspector's notes

establishment has printed menus on site, the menu provide steaks, hamburgers, and eggs to order. unable to locate the consumer advisory statement. manager was informed, proper disclosure and reminder statement was added to menus. corrected

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Predefined Comment: Offering and serving undercooked proteins requires an approved consumer advisory at all points of sale; and must contain an approved disclosure method and reminder statement. 3-603.11 - Priority Foundation: Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority foundation7-202.11

Inspector's notes

observed 2 cans of pesticide spray can in the bar, under the cabinet. showed pic. discarded. reviewed strategies to utilize integrated certified pest control . spray cans were discarded

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Predefined Comment: All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. 7-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Restriction-Presence and Use

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Inspector's notes

observed cooked ribs a 58-60 deg f. inside the reach-in cooler, showed manager. per PIC, prepared at 1pm. manager stated that the food was supposed to be placed in flat pans and placed in the walk-in cooler. all relocated to walk-in flat pans, speed racks. corrected. MCESD food cooling guidance document reviewed.

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Predefined Comment: TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. 3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling.

Jul 2, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

Inspector's notes

observed in the cookline service cooler, pans of cut lettuce and sliced deli ham at 52-53 deg f . informed manager. all removed . please ensure rte, tcs food is kept at 41 deg f Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you.https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

#23 — Proper Date Marking and DispositionPriority foundation3-501.17

Inspector's notes

in the walk-in cooler observed pans of sliced deli meats and roast and deli ham, per manager remained from last week and Saturday, MCESD use by date provision for the rte/tcs reviewed. manager asked kitchen staff all portioned bags were re assessed for use by date stickers. corrected at the tie of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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3-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.

Feb 28, 2024RoutinecleanA

This establishment received a(n) A_ Grade and had0 _ Priority, 0_ Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.report emailed. On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181.Award: A,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Handler Cards: 20,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Number of Employees: 22,Signer: Paul T.-manager

2023

Oct 5, 2023Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1_ Priority, _0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.report emailed. The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:• Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or• Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Handler Cards: 17,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Number of Employees: 20,Signer: Laura-mod

#22 — Proper Cold Holding TemperaturesPriority3-501.16

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B), P: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.***************in the cookline reach-in cooler, noted sliced tomatoes at 51 deg f , also sliced deli turkey, and pan of cooked pasta/noodle at 48-52 deg f . informed pic. and kitchen manager removed. recommended smaller metal food pans, for these items. please assure rte/tcs is kept at 41 deg f . manager removed and threw away the food pans. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

Nearby restaurants

Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.

Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 21, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →